The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-10-06
A GREAT RACE.
Frates and Davis Win for the Dirigo
and Cumberland Clubs.
Frates Makes the Great Time. I3
Minutes So I.2 Seconds.

Yesterday was the day set for the single
scull contest, the first trace of the series of
three arranged between the Diriago Boat
Club and the Cumberland Rowing Associa-
ton.
Great interest was manifested in this race
as the men are among the most promising
amateurs in the country, and on account of
the rivalry existing between the clubs every
one looked for blood" race The Cum
berlands were represented by Toney Frates,
and the Dirigos by M. G. Davis. 1t had
been generally supposed that w. E. O'Con-
nell would do battle for the Dirigos, and
much surprise was manifested when the
racing committee of that club named NJ. G.
Davis.
The men were told to get ready at about
4.40 by Referee J. A. Kennedy, and respond
ed promptly. Frates, who appeared first
looked as one of his admirers expressed 1t
fine as silk" and smiled confidently when
asked if he would win. Davis did not look
in so good condition as his opponent, and
was suffering nom a cold contracted during
practice spin Tuesday, having been caught
out in the shower.
The course was what is known as the Sup
per one" starting near the bridge, rowing a
mile down the harbor and return. The ref
cree followed the contestants over the course
on the steamer Valera.
After the referee had instructed the men
they were quickly aligned, and at the word
Ego" both men sank their blades into the
water and the frail crafts shot quickly for
ward Both men were rowing thirty-eight
strokes minute with Frates slightly in the
lead and going at pace that elected express
Ions of admiration from Teemer, Plaisted
and other old oarsmen on the referees boat.
When near the Union boat house Davis put
on squirt that rushed his boat to the front
until he had length lead on Frates. The
speed which he displayed in this burst was
remarkable, and would have done credit to
the best professional oarsmen. From here
to the stake the race was one of the prettiest
and most exciting contests ever rowed in the
harbor. Frates rowed like demon to re-
gain the lead; but Davis responded to his
every effort, and held his advantage to the
turn. Right here was where Frates won the
race by making a splendid turn. Davis
turned wide, and when he squared for the
whose good luck had infused new life into
him. From here to the finish it was a pro-
cession, and, although Davis struggled man.
fully to oyertake his opponent it was useless.
Frates pursued the even tenor of his way
and crossed the line in the remarkable time
of ID minutes and SGT seconds; Davis's time
being seven and one-half seconds later. 1t
was great race, and, although Davis lost,
he has nothing to be ashamed of as he was
beaten by man who proved in this race
that he is the equal of any amateur sculler
In America
When Frates reached the boat house he
was carried to the dressing room on the
shoulders of his enthusiastic admirers.
The double scull race will be rowed on
Monday, when the Dirigos will try to re-
verse the order of things at the finish. The
wharves were crowded with people yester-
day who wildly cheered their favorites, and
went home pronouncing it. great race